Tag: Business and Trade Department

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 6 May 2025.

Welsh recipients announced in third year of The King’s Awards for Enterprise – the UK’s most prestigious business awards.

The recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced today [6 May], celebrating the achievements of leading businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands.

Eight Welsh businesses across a range of different sectors have been recognised by His Majesty The King as among the best in the country, highlighting the ambition, ingenuity, and success of our diverse business community.

The businesses awarded cover a variety of sectors including industrial lasers, medical equipment, and baking, and are based around the country, from Wrexham to Bridgend and Welshpool.

One Welsh company was awarded for their innovative practices, five for their achievements in international trade and one for their sustainable development.

By supporting more people into work, developing new innovations and exporting the best Britain has to offer around the world, businesses like these play a key role in the UK Government’s mission to go further and faster for economic growth, and put more money in more working people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change.

Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports said:

There are some excellent Welsh businesses recognised in this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise: from Spectrum Technologies’ pioneering laser equipment to Bluestone Resort’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

I wish the winners every success as they continue to grow, innovate and prosper, and commend the invaluable contributions they have already made to communities at home in Wales and abroad, helping to boost the UK economy.

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

I congratulate all eight Welsh businesses who have won awards. From baking to medical devices to sustainable holidays, their work shows the best of business right across Wales, producing and exporting high quality products and services.

By working with talented Welsh enterprises to create well-paid local jobs and economic growth, the UK Government is delivering on its Plan for Change.

This year’s recipients include Spectrum Technologies, a global leader in the supply of industrial laser wire-processing equipment for the aerospace industry. Based in Bridgend, they have been recognised in the International Trade category.

Dr Peter Dickinson, Chairman and Chief Technology Officer at Spectrum Technologies, said:

Spectrum is very excited and proud to be a winner of the King’s Award for Enterprise. The Company faced huge challenges with Covid but our team of employees have really pulled together and helped turn a difficult situation around, more than doubling sales over the last few years.

The King’s Award is a tribute to their combined efforts, as well as a reflection on the company’s global market-leading position supplying specialised laser wire processing equipment to the aerospace industry.”

Bluestone Resort is situated in the heart of the Pembrokeshire countryside. The park has been designed to reconnect families with nature in a responsible fashion, and as such they have received an award in the Sustainable Development category.

William McNamara OBE, CEO and Founder of Bluestone, said:

Receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development is a hugely exciting and rewarding milestone for everyone at Bluestone National Park Resort in Pembrokeshire.

Our ethos is centered on the three pillars of sustainable development: actively protecting natural ecosystems, growing the local economy and supporting local communities. This has become our operational blueprint. The King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development gives us many reasons to celebrate, recognising the importance of our work as we continue to protect our planet for future generations.”

The King’s Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and were renamed two years ago to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 59th year, has awarded over 8,000 companies since its inception in 1965.

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants – the King’s representatives in each county – will be presenting the Awards to businesses locally throughout the year. One representative from each winning business will also be invited to a special royal reception event.

Eligible businesses are free to apply for one or more categories. The recipients pass a robust assessment process, judged by experts from industry, academia, the voluntary sector, a representative from the Welsh Government and senior officials in Whitehall. On that basis, each year, The King’s Awards for Enterprise recipients are recommended by the Prime Minister.

Richard Harris, Head of Trade at the Welsh Government and a judge on this year’s panel commented:

It’s an absolute privilege to represent Wales as a judge on the Kings Awards and reviewing and appraising the applications which seem to grow in quality year on year never fails to impress.

The Kings Award is the gold standard, it means something, for me it’s the benchmark award for quality that can literally open doors and start conversations across the world, enabling companies to access opportunities that ordinarily might not be available and win business.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 6 May 2025.

The recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced today, celebrating the achievements of leading businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands.

• 197 recipients announced in The King’s Awards for Enterprise – the UK’s most prestigious business awards
• Firms from Stirling to Somerset have their excellence recognised with two businesses receiving awards in two categories
• These successful businesses are playing a key role in the Government’s mission to go further and faster for economic growth as part of our Plan for Change

The recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced today [6 May], celebrating the achievements of leading businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands and recognising their vital role in growing our economy to improve lives.

This year, 197 businesses representing a diverse range of sectors, have been recognised by His Majesty The King as among the best in the country, highlighting the ambition, ingenuity, and success of our diverse business community.

A total of 199 awards have been issued with two companies, Hampshire-based Sonardyne International and Norfolk-based Delta Fire, being recognised for two Awards each.

Overall, 116 businesses have been recognised for International Trade, 46 for Innovation, 27 for Sustainable Development and 10 for Promoting Opportunity Through Social Mobility.

By supporting more people into work, developing new innovations and exporting the best Britain has to offer around the world, businesses like these are playing a key role in the Government’s mission to go further and faster for economic growth, to put more money in more working people’s pockets as part of our Plan for Change.

Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports said:

Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise, who all demonstrate the very best of British business talent.

I wish them every success as they continue to grow, innovate and prosper, and commend the invaluable contributions they have already made to communities at home and abroad, helping to boost the UK economy.

Out of the 197 winning businesses 176 (88%) are SMEs, and of those, 27 (14%) are micro-businesses, with 10 employees or less.

Smaller businesses are the beating heart of this government’s growth mission and providing them with the right support to overcome barriers and reach their full potential is an absolute priority. That is why this Government protected a million small firms from National Insurance increases and extended business rates relief in the Budget.

Since then, we have also launched the new Board of Trade to boost small businesses exports and announced over 200 new Banking Hub locations on top of the existing 100 already open. We have also taken action to tackle the scourge of late payments, and most recently, provided a multi-billion-pound increase in government backed financing to help organisations like the British Business Bank provide vital finance for smaller businesses.

We know that it will only take a 1% increase in SME productivity per year, over the next 5 years, to grow the UK economy by a whopping £94 billion.

Graham Brown, Managing Director of Sonardyne, said:

We’re absolutely delighted to have received this recognition. Receiving two King’s Awards in 2025 really celebrates Sonardyne’s ongoing performance in International Trade delivered by working sustainably.

It’s a testament to the hard work of everyone at Sonardyne in making, selling, and supporting great products operating across our blue planet, whilst all the time caring deeply about how we do business to protect it. I hope we can inspire and help other UK businesses to do the same.

Ian Gardner, Managing Director and Founder of Delta Fire, said:

We are absolutely thrilled to receive two King’s Awards for Enterprise for both Innovation and Sustainable Development. These two highly prestigious awards are a fantastic recognition of the great team work in Delta Fire over the last 35 years from a small workshop unit to a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility using net zero energy.

Innovation and Sustainability has led Delta Fire to exporting fire nozzles all around the world and being used to successfully extinguish the majority of fires in the UK every day.

The King’s Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and were renamed two years ago to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 59th year, has awarded over 8,000 companies since its inception in 1965.

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants – The King’s representatives in each county – will be presenting the Awards to businesses locally throughout the year. One representative from each winning business will also be invited to a special Royal reception event.

Case-studies

• Sonardyne Energy, a Hampshire based firm, transforming what’s possible in offshore energy, maritime defence and ocean science markets through the engineering and manufacturing of their world-leading underwater equipment. They receive the award for International Trade and Sustainable Development.
• Delta Fire, a globally recognised designer, manufacturer, and supplier of specialist front-line firefighting products, committed to sustainability and carbon neutrality by 2030. Based in Norfolk, Delta Fire have been recognised in the Innovation and Sustainable Development categories.

Other recipients also include:

• Level Peaks, a business based in Hereford, and managed by ex-British Military Special Forces Veterans, which supplies innovative defence and security equipment to the UK Government and governments abroad. The company receives The King’s Award for International Trade.
• Mixergy, which has received the Innovation award for their intelligent hot water tank which interacts between homes and the grid to maximise efficiency and reduce energy bills. The business is based in Oxford.

The full list of Awardees across the four categories can be found in the London Gazette.

The press release issued by the Department of Business and Trade on 2 May 2025.

Government statement on conclusion of US tariff review.

The process seeking views from businesses and interested stakeholders to shape any future UK action on tariffs has now concluded.

The four-week Request for Input launched on Wednesday 3 April in response to the US imposing tariffs on a range of products and has received over 200 responses. Work to analyse those responses begins while keeping all options on the table.

The Government will now rapidly analyse the comments and data which scope out the impacts of possible UK tariffs, as well as views on a range of products that could be included in any UK’s response.

Negotiations on an economic prosperity deal with the US to remove existing and future tariffs continue at pace and remain our focus.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

We are now in a new era for trade and the economy, and that means going further and faster to strengthen the UK’s economy.

All options remain on the table and any future UK action will be made in the national interest – and that is exactly why this engagement was so important.

Our approach so far has been guided by the interests of British business and their voice will continue to be at the heart of our decisions.

While we analyse responses, this Government’s priority will be to build on the strength of our relationship with the US and continue talks to find a resolution for UK businesses.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 27 April 2025.

The Government has confirmed the arrival of a new raw materials shipment for use in British Steel’s Scunthorpe blast furnaces.

Steelmaking in Scunthorpe will continue as the Government confirmed the arrival of a new shipment of raw materials today this weekend – bolstering the UK’s national security by protecting the vital capability of domestic steel production.

A shipment of over 55,000 tonnes of blast furnace coke – more than four times the weight of the Shard – from Bluescope Steel’s plant in Australia arrived at Immingham Bulk Terminal today on the MV (merchant vessel) Navios Alegria. It will now be transferred by rail to Scunthorpe.

The coke is crucial to helping ensure both blast furnaces at British Steel can keep running for the coming months and a vital part of efforts to provide a steady pipeline of materials for continued steelmaking.

Another shipment of more than 66,000 tonnes of iron ore pellets and 27,000 tonnes of iron ore fines is due to arrive from Sweden next week, and has been paid for directly by government using existing DBT budgets – as part of this government’s commitment to backing UK industry to succeed.

In further efforts to shore up the company, British Steel has confirmed two more crucial appointments to its leadership team with a new interim Chief Operating Officer and HR Director, both of whom have more than 30 years’ experience in the steel industry.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

This government is on the side of British workers and British industry. The action we’ve taken to secure primary steelmaking at Scunthorpe will not only support our national security but help our steel sector supply the construction of the homes and infrastructure of the future, as part of our Plan for Change.

By securing the raw materials we need to keep Scunthorpe going for the foreseeable future we’ve helped protect thousands of crucial steel jobs. Now, British Steel workers and their families can breathe a sigh of relief and know that we are on their side.

Allan Bell, Interim CEO of British Steel said:

We’ve successfully secured the raw materials we need to keep the blast furnaces running, meaning our production of steel can continue. We would not be here today without the hard work and dedication of our specialist procurement, technical and operational teams who have worked tirelessly on short timescales to secure the required raw materials.

Over the coming months our focus will be on stabilising our operations for the long-term, cementing British Steel as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of steel.

Community Assistant General Secretary Alasdair McDiarmid said:

The imminent shipments of coke and other raw materials needed to keep the blast furnaces running over the months ahead provide much-needed assurance for our members on site in Scunthorpe. We are grateful to British Steel and the government for the decisive work they have undertaken to secure a future for the business – we have seen their commitment and dedication first-hand.

After years of neglect, we now have a UK Government which understands the vital strategic importance of steel, and is backing this up with action.

The latest delivery of vital raw materials reinforces the UK’s primary steelmaking capacity by ensuring both blast furnaces at Scunthorpe can remain operational and gives certainty to the workforce of around 3,000 employed at the steelworks.

It also comes after British Steel announced earlier this week that it has ended a consultation on staff redundancies launched in March by its owners Jingye, and confirmed it would keep both blast furnaces running, securing thousands of jobs thanks to the Government’s decisive action to step in and save the company.

Now that the necessary supplies of raw materials for the blast furnaces have been confirmed, the Government is continuing to focus on securing the long-term future of British Steel with private sector investment, working closely with a range of third parties on potential options.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 24 April 2025.

SMEs from across the UK will benefit from new government support to match them up with international buyers and markets.

• Export Roadshows, created to get more small businesses exporting and grow the economy, kick off today in the North East
• Taking place across all nations and regions of the UK, events will bring together small firms, industry experts, trade bodies and government
• Part of the modern Industrial Strategy, the roadshow aims to channel government support to growth-driving sectors, as part of the Plan for Change

SMEs from across the UK will benefit from new government support to match them up with international buyers and markets, to turbocharge UK exports and grow the economy as part of the Plan for Change.

The ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ roadshows, kicking off today [24 April] in Blyth and taking place across all nations and regions of the UK, have been designed to directly connect international buyers with SME exporters ready to seize the opportunity to grow their businesses. Through these events, the Government is working to maximise international opportunities for UK businesses by highlighting tangible opportunities that exist in new markets.

Each event will be aligned to one of the eight key growth driving sectors outlined in Britain’s modern Industrial Strategy, channelling government support to sectors with the highest potential to create jobs, boost productivity and grow the economy. All of which will help deliver the Plan for Change to put more money in more working people’s pockets.

Highlighted sectors include clean energy, advanced manufacturing, technology, life sciences, digital and technology, and financial services.

Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports, said:

Maximising the UK’s export potential is crucial to achieving our Plan for Change, by creating good jobs with high wages, raising productivity, and boosting the economy.

Through these roadshows, the government is focussing on supporting key growth sectors, making it quicker and easier for smaller businesses to connect with markets, grasp export opportunities and expand.

The focus of the first roadshow, taking place today, is exporting in the clean energy sector.

There will be 100 attendees at the event – made up of small businesses, trade bodies, and government representatives, as well as 30 Commercial Officers from UK embassies and consulates from around the world, and 97 buyers, all of whom will join the event virtually through pre-planned meetings.

The 97 buyers span 19 markets worldwide, from Argentina to Austria, Thailand, Turkey, Mexico, India, and the UAE.

All roadshow events will provide opportunities for delegates to meet with domestic and international Commercial Officers, who will be on hand to offer expert support and advice on specific products, markets, and export opportunities.

There will also be a designated advice zone for SMEs to learn about wider export support services offered by the Department for Business and Trade, as well as those provided by other public sectors partners like regional Growth Hubs, and trusted private sector providers like the Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Business, UKEF and MAKE UK.

A range of workshops and seminars on topical issues such as ‘conducting market research’ and ‘routes to market’ will take place throughout the day, led by the UK Export Academy. Several of these will feature DBT Export Champions who will speak of their own experiences in target markets.

Alex Marshall, Group Business Development Director at Clarke Energy, said:

From the Americas, Africa, Asia to Australasia, clean technologies are now established as one of the most important pillars of the global economy.

So as an Export Champion and a UK business developing innovative clean technology solutions across the world, this Made in the UK, Sold to the World roadshow event is an excellent place to discuss the latest international trends and export opportunities for UK businesses in the clean energy sector.

We know that when SMEs trade around the world, the whole economy benefits, which is why this government is so committed to supporting smaller businesses grow and export.

Just last month, the Department of Business and Trade relaunched the Board of Trade, to help businesses, and in particular the UK’s 5.5 million SMEs, boost their exports.

And later this year, we will be launching a small business strategy to raise growth and productivity across the UK’s SME population and boost the number of scale-ups.

UK businesses can access DBT’s wealth of export support via Great.gov.uk. This comprises an online support offer and a wider network of support including the Export Academy, UK Export Finance, the International Markets network, and one-to-one support from International Trade Advisers.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 15 April 2025.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has today [15 April] appointed Paul Lee as the new Chair of the UK Endorsement Board (UKEB), replacing current Chair Pauline Wallace at the end of her term in September 2025.

The UKEB is the UK’s national standard setter for international accounting standards. It influences the development, and considers the adoption, of new or amended standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, part of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation.

Companies report using these standards to provide robust and comparable financial information.

The UKEB is committed to ensuring that the interests of the UK corporate reporters are effectively represented to ensure standards meet the needs of UK companies and investors.

Paul Lee brings extensive corporate reporting experience from his roles as Head of Stewardship and Sustainable Investment Strategy at Redington and Member of the Committee of Reference for the Premier Miton Ethical Fund. Paul is also currently a Non-Executive Member and one of the founding members of UKEB, bringing four years of UKEB experience to the Chair role.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

UKEB provide an invaluable service in scrutinising and adopting international accounting standards and representing our largest companies on an international stage.

Paul will bring strong leadership to UKEB as Chair and his extensive knowledge of corporate reporting standards as one of the Board’s founding members will be vital in driving growth in the sector and economy as part of our Plan for Change.

I would like to thank Pauline for her work over the past five years and look forward to continuing work with Paul.

Incoming Chair of the UK Endorsement Board, Paul Lee, said:

As an investor I understand the importance of international accounting standards and the role they play in supporting UK economic growth and inward investment. I also recognise the unnecessary burden that might be placed on companies if standards don’t achieve the right balance.

I was pleased to join the UKEB Board four years ago because I firmly believed that the organisation’s remit, to act as the voice of UK stakeholders in the development of comparable and proportionate standards that add value to the UK long-term public good, forms part of the core foundation of a strong and growing UK economy. I still believe that.

The UKEB has been robustly effective under Pauline’s thoughtful leadership, and I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to lead the Board. I’m looking forward to getting started and deepening my work with our excellent Board and Secretariat.

There are economic challenges ahead, both in the UK and globally, and my focus, and that of the Board, will be on understanding, supporting and balancing the needs of all UK stakeholders as we navigate those challenges.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 15 April 2025.

The Government has secured raw materials needed to save British Steel.

The Business Secretary pushes ahead with efforts to safeguard British Steel. Today [Tuesday 15 April] he will travel up to Immingham as the raw materials that have been waiting in the dock are unloaded and transported to the site, following the government settling payment for them.

The materials – which have arrived from the US – are enough to keep the blast furnaces running for the coming weeks, with officials continuing to work at pace to get a steady pipeline of materials to keep the fire burning.

A separate ship which contains yet more coking coal is on the way to the UK from Australia. This cargo was the subject of a legal dispute between British Steel and Jingye over the weekend that has now been resolved. The materials have been paid for using existing DBT budgets.

New legislation passed last weekend, in an unprecedented move, gives Government the power to direct the company’s board and workforce, ensure they get paid, and order the raw materials to keep the blast furnaces running. It also permits the Government to do these things itself if needed. The government acted to protect 37,000 jobs in supply chains and ensure we can build the infrastructure needed to deliver growth which is fundamental to the Plan for Change.

On Monday, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds confirmed the appointment of Allan Bell as interim Chief Executive Officer, and Lisa Coulson as interim Chief Commercial Officer, both with immediate effect – ensuring the right expertise is in place to keep the site running smoothly.

After intensive work over the weekend, the government has secured coke and iron ore pellets for the blast furnaces and is confident there will be enough materials to keep the furnaces burning.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

We will always act in the interest of working people and UK industry. Thanks to the work of those at British Steel, and in my department, we have moved decisively to secure the raw materials we need to help save British Steel.

Our industries depend on UK steel and – thanks to our Plan for Change – demand is set to shoot up: helping build the 1.5 million homes, railways, schools and hospitals we need to usher in a decade of national renewal.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 13 April 2025.

The Government has cut prices on the imports of everyday essentials like spices and juices to boost economic growth.

• Prices slashed on 89 foreign products – ranging from pasta, fruit juices and spices to plastics and gardening supplies – over next two years
• Cheaper imports will save businesses at least £17 million per year in a further bid to kickstart growth as part of the Plan for Change
• Savings could be passed onto families, mixologists and amateur gardeners through lower prices on everyday items and summer essentials
• UK committed to economic growth, business security and lower prices through free and open trade

UK businesses and consumers could benefit from lower prices on imports of everyday essentials like spices and juices as the Government takes further action to make the UK the best place to do business and kickstart economic growth.

In a further demonstration of the government’s commitment to free trade and responding to business need, the UK Global Tariff will be temporarily suspended on 89 products saving UK businesses up and down the country at least £17 million a year.

The products include plywood and plastics, which are essential for construction – making life easier for chippies all over the country.

Working in partnership with industry, the government has decided to suspend import tariffs on a whole range of products to lower costs for businesses, tariffs will now be cut to zero until July 2027.

The savings to businesses on products such as pasta, fruit juices, coconut oil and pine nuts could be passed onto consumers just in time for the summer season, meaning lower food prices in supermarkets, restaurants and pubs.

Products including agave syrup, often used in margaritas, and plant bulbs will also see tariffs removed meaning keen cocktail-makers and amateur gardeners could enjoy lowered costs as the warmer weather approaches.

These changes will support key growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing and clean energy to compete with international rivals, supporting the Government’s Industrial Strategy with the Plan for Change.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

Free and open trade grows economies, lowers prices and helps businesses to sell to the world, which is why we’re cutting tariffs on a range of products.

From food to furniture, this will reduce the cost of everyday items for businesses, with savings hopefully passed onto consumers.

As we face a new era of global trade, this government is going further faster to make Britain the best country to do business, delivering on our Plan for Change. These suspensions are just another example of that.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

In a changing world we know families are anxious about the cost of living, and businesses uncertain about their future. That’s why we’ve announced lower prices on imports of everyday essentials – helping businesses to thrive and pass on savings to customers.

Through our Plan for Change we’re supporting British business and putting more money in people’s pockets.

The UK Global Tariff applies to goods entering the UK that do not qualify for preferential treatment under, for example, a free trade agreement.

Businesses across the UK apply for temporary suspensions on a regular basis by providing evidence of the benefits to themselves, their sector and the wider economy.

CBI Europe and International Director Sean McGuire:

In the face of an uncertain and unpredictable global trading environment, government should be commended for suspending import duties on an array of products. Measures like these will be important for reducing the financial pressures on firms and help to drive growth for businesses of all sizes across the country.

The UK has already reduced tariffs on certain imported goods, benefitting British consumers with better choice, quality and prices on products like fruit juices from Peru and vacuum cleaners from Malaysia.

The Government is going further and faster in negotiating trade deals with partners including India, the Gulf Cooperation Council, South Korea and Switzerland which will unlock new opportunities for businesses, support jobs, and boost wages.

These measures come as the government acts swiftly to protect UK businesses and workers in a new era of global trade, through increasing flexibility on the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, cutting the red tape and bureaucracy that slows down clinical trials in the life sciences sector, investing up to £600 million in a new Health Data Research Service and backing a £30 million package to support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport which is expected to support 5,000 jobs and boost the economy by £5 billion.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 12 April 2025.

Urgent action by the Government sees vote on emergency powers to save British steel production.

• Parliament recalled to introduce emergency powers that will allow the Government to protect the Scunthorpe site
• Unique action to gives the best chance of safeguarding steelmaking, protecting jobs, national security and supply chains.
• This strategic decision aims to secure domestic steel production for nationally important projects like airports, rail and housing and deliver growth at part of the Plan for Change.

Steelmaking is set to continue in Scunthorpe following urgent action by the UK Government on Friday 11 April.

The Prime Minister requested the recall of Parliament to vote on emergency legislation to prevent the blast furnaces being shut down.

The move will maximise the chances of securing domestic steel production – a crucial national capability which was at risk of collapse under the site’s current ownership. This is a very specific intervention taken in exceptional circumstances.

British Steel’s owners Jingye confirmed their intention to close the blast furnaces at Scunthorpe immediately, despite months of negotiations in good faith and a generous offer of co-investment from the UK government of £500 million.

If the blast furnaces were to be immediately switched off, this would put at severe risk the future of steelmaking at this unique site.

The legislation will give the Government the power to direct the company’s board and workforce, ensure they get paid, and order the raw materials to keep the blast furnace running.

In the meantime, the Government has instructed the company’s UK management to continue the running of the plant to ensure the furnaces keep burning. This legislation means that anyone employed at the plant who takes steps to keep it running, against the orders of the Chinese ownership, can be reinstated if sacked for doing so.

Steel is vital for both the UK’s national security and manufacturing, and crucial for the Government’s mission to build 1.5 million new homes in the UK as part of its Plan for Change, with construction projects requiring millions of tonnes of steel.

Given global economic instability, it is crucial that manufacturing is protected at home. That’s why the Government took action earlier this week to support the car industry by easing the path to the EV mandate and deliver a £30 million package to support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, which is expected to support 5,000 jobs and boost the economy by £5 billion.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

“We will always do what is necessary to keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad. We are doing what previous governments have failed to, acting in the national interest to help secure UK steelmaking for the future.

“We negotiated with British Steel’s owners in good faith ever since coming to office. We made a generous offer of support to the company and I am deeply disappointed that we have been forced to take these measures, but Jingye have not been forthright throughout this process, and left us no choice but to act.

“We’re in a new and changing world where it’s never been more important to support our security and build our resilience, so that we can have strength abroad and renewal at home, and that’s what this government has done.”

A Bill was voted on by MPs on Saturday 12 April to ensure continuity of production at the Scunthorpe site – avoiding the danger and cost of allowing it to stop.

Funding for the site will come from the Government’s £2.5bn steel fund, to help rebuild the industry over the next five years.

NOTES TO EDITORS

• All funding required for the site will come out of existing budgets, within the departmental spending envelope set out by the government at Spring Statement 2025.No further government borrowing is envisaged to support any intervention
• As the Chancellor and PM have made clear, the UK’s fiscal rules remain non-negotiable.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 8 April 2025.

Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas has announced the launch of the new, independent, appeals process for eligible postmasters in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme.

• New independent appeals process for Horizon Shortfall Scheme victims
• New applications for postmasters who claimed under HSS to begin this month
• Provides assurance that those who were unjustly impacted by the Horizon IT scandal will receive full, fair and swift redress

Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas has announced in Parliament today [Tuesday 8 April] the launch of the new, independent, appeals process for eligible postmasters in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS).

Postmasters who feel their financial settlement did not reflect the true extent of their losses and trauma will be able to appeal their settlement ensuring they receive full, fair and swift redress.

Eligible postmasters and their legal representatives will be written to later this month and applications for the new Appeals process will begin to be accepted by the end of April.

Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas said:

It is our priority that all those who were unjustly affected by the Horizon IT scandal receive full, fair and swift redress and today’s measures are the next step in providing that.

Since taking office, the total amount of redress paid to victims has increased by more than three and a half times with £892 million having now been paid to over 6,200 claimants. There is still more to do, and I am committed to this task until every affected postmaster receives the redress they rightly deserve.

The Government also announced that each Directly Managed Branch (DMBs) will be franchised so that Post Office services remain available to local communities. We have listened to concerns and made it clear that DMBs should not be closed as we continue to work with the Post Office as it develops its transformation plan.

There will also be a further £276.9 million in funding for the Post Office to help support the breadth of the network. This will enable Post Office to deliver technology transformation and give them the resources to continue administering redress payments to postmasters.

There will also be a scheme launched next month to provide redress to postmasters who faced issues with Post Office products, polices or processes.

These updates will help rebuild trust with postmasters and ensure past failings are fully addressed.

Notes to editors

As of 31 March 2025, approximately £892 million has been paid to over 6,200 claimants across 4 schemes:

• £454 million in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS), including interim payments
• £67 million in the Overturned Convictions (OC) scheme, including interim payments
• £150 million in the Group Litigation Order (GLO) scheme, including interim payments
• £221 million in the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS), including interim payments